Epidemiological Survey of Trichomoniasis Affecting Domestic Pigeons in Four Provinces, Middle of Iraq

Background: Avian trichomoniasis, induced by a protozoan, Trichomonas gallinae is a long-running health problem to domesticated pigeons on an international scale. Although the epidemiological issue is important, the latest statistics in the central part of Iraq are lacking. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, geographical distribution as well as epidemiological determinants of the trichomonial infection among domestic pigeons in four Iraqi provinces located centrally. Methods: Our survey was a cross-sectional survey conducted between January and April 2025, which covered the provinces of Babylon, Karbala, Baghdad and Al-Najaf. Two hundred and fifty oropharyngeal and crop swabs were collected in total in pigeons regardless of their clinical condition. Direct wet-mount microscopy with Giemsa-stained smears was used to examine the specimens to enable morphological identification of the species of T. gallinae. The estimates in prevalence were stratified based on province, season and sex and tested using chi-square statistical tests. Results: The general rate of infection was 38.53 (79/205). Maxima values were 43.13% in Babylon and 42% in Al-Najaf, and Karbala was 40.38% and Baghdad at the lowest 28.84%. Seasonal analysis showed that there was an increased prevalence in winter (41.74%) as compared to spring (35.29%). The difference in declining between males (37.86) and females (39.21) did not show any statistically significant variance. The presence of infection in all the provinces highlights the active transmission processes, which is probably supported by the similarity of feeding and watering. Conclusions: The endemicity of the avian trichomoniasis in the domestic pigeons of central Iraq confirmed by our findings has a clear geographic and seasonal variation. The moderate-to-high level of persistence in the provinces that lacked previous systematic surveillance speaks to the need to keep an eye on the situation, to improve hygiene guidelines, and to provide early diagnostic treatment. The present research provides an essential level of epidemiological background, thus assisting the future molecular research and the use of precision-based control measures against the presence of T. gallinae in the area.